Umbilical hernia repair pushes the contents of the hernia back into place and closes the abdominal wall defect through various surgical options.
Umbilical hernia repair is typically one of the simplest and safest operations among all hernia procedures. It is an operation that takes less than one hour and can be performed outpatient in a hospital or surgery center. It is usually performed under general anesthesia. It can be performed with conventional open techniques or with the latest robotic technology.
Dr. Yunis offers a variety of
hernia repair techniques based on the type of hernia and to suit his patients' needs. Techniques available for Umbilical hernia repair include:
This type of hernia surgery involves making a small cosmetically oriented incision near the hernia and sewing the hernia defect closed. Dr Yunis has a bias to avoid the use of mesh in small umbilical hernias.
The conventional open technique is the most common and appropriate technique for typical small umbilical hernias. It involves a small incision around the umbilicus (belly button). The incision is made as small as possible with an emphasis on an optimal cosmetic outcome. The hernia is exposed with delicate and meticulous technique. After complete exposure of the hernia defect and reduction of the hernia contents, the hernia is repaired with a sewing technique without the use of mesh and in some cases mesh is used to help prevent the risk of hernia recurrence. The use of mesh in umbilical hernias remains a topic of great controversy among hernia specialists. After repair of the hernia defect, the subcutaneous tissue and skin is reconstructed with a strong emphasis on optimal cosmetic outcome.
This is often used for larger umbilical hernias. It involves the use of the
DaVinci robot through 3 small (half inch) incisions in the side of the abdomen.
The robotic repair is a minimally invasive technique appropriate for larger umbilical hernias. This involves general anesthesia and three half inch incisions on the right or left side of the abdomen. An ultra high definition 3d camera is inserted through one of the incisions and different instruments (scissor, clamps, or sewing needle holders) are inserted through the other two incisions. The camera and the instruments are attached to a robotic arm system. The surgeon controls everything while sitting in a console with a 3D viewer and sophisticated hand controls and multiple foot pedals. Ultimately the hernia is well exposed and sewn closed and usually a mesh is sewn below the area to reinforce the repair. The technology allows for unsurpassed vision and delicacy in the repair that yields a less painful result than laparoscopic surgery from the recent past.
Laparoscopic Repair involves the use of mesh or sutures being placed behind the hernia through small incisions in the side of the abdomen.
